question about dog's aggressive behavior...

581 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Orange County Ca, Mar 8, 2009

mb935

Discussion Starter · Mar 8, 2009

I wrote about this on another forum a few months ago. My dog for hte first time knocked a new dog she met to the ground and then held it there while she stood over the dog growling.

I was told that as long as the other dog didnt show fear that they were only playing. (Afterwards they did run and play).

She hadnt done it again until the last 3 times shes played with new dogs on the beach she has done the same thing with every one - PLUS our neighbor's dog. Yesterday the owners were taken aback and tried to get my dog off of theirs. My bf and I were too far off to get involved at that point.

i told my bf we can not let her run free anymore if this is what shes doing. I HOPE shes playing but i dont need her scaring another owner - i know I wouldnt like it and I dont need to get yelled at about it either.

1) is she playing?
2) is it normal?
3) what can i do about it?

I really hate to keep her leashed on the beach - she loves to run and up to this point always did great with new dogs. Dont know whats going on with her...

thanks!!

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Curbside Prophet

· #2 · Mar 8, 2009

mb935 said:
1) is she playing?

Without seeing the behavior it's awfully hard to say one way or the other. But, does it matter?

2) is it normal?

IMO, no. It is not normal for dogs to forcibly knock other dogs down. If this happens with EVERY dog, clearly your dog may have some play skill deficiencies. If it happens randomly, your dog could very well be targeting particular dogs, and this is not play.

3) what can i do about it?

Get help. You'll need someone qualified to decipher if it is just a play deficiency, resource guarding, or bullying. The what to do part is dependent on which it is. I don't know that you need a certified behaviorist, but I would start with a certified trainer who has access or can recommend a behaviorist should it be something outside of their practice.

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Orange County Ca

· #3 · Mar 8, 2009

Your dog is establishing dominance over the other. Once that's established everydog knows its place and no further trouble will erupt unless except possibly if food or breeding come into play. Not likely from your description.

Of course eventually your dog will run into another dog that wants to be top dog. Then the fight ensues.

Talk with your neighbor about your two dogs. With dominance established its likely they'll get along from now on but you should not let your dog free in a public place.

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